Inaugural ’50 Men of Valor’ service draws large crowd at church in northeast Gainesville
Men were encouraged to become soldiers of God in the battlefield of life during an event honoring men of Christ.
Anne Williams, a member of the Mother’s Board at Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church in northeast Gainesville, and her husband, Deacon Joe Williams, organized the "50 Men of Valor for the Kingdom" service held Sunday at the church at 510 NE 15th St.
“I wanted them (the men) to talk about strength and men coming together in the community,” she said. “I wanted this event to motivate young men and enhance the lives of the youth.”
Ninety men attended the service, and the next time the church hosts it, she plans to reach her goal of 100 men, Anne Williams said.
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Her husband said he has been working at Winn Dixie in Gainesville for over 40 years, and during his time there, he developed friendships with the men he and his wife invited.
“I know Satan was mad,” he said. “It was just a blessing to see men get together. When you see gatherings like this, it’s usually at funerals.”
Christopher Whitehead, pastor of Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church, said he appreciates the Williams and the vision of Anne Williams.
“The Williams are great supporters of the church,” Whitehead said. “They are very well known and highly respected.”
“Everything she puts her hands on, it turns out well,” Whitehead said. “Where there’s unity, there is strength. I was glad to see brothers from different backgrounds, areas and denominations uplifting the name of Jesus. It is a beautiful sight to see.”
The Rev. Alvin L. Greene, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Lake City, delivered the sermon during the service.
“I’m excited to see them (men participating in the program) here today,” Greene said.
Leadership from men is what is needed today in society, Greene said.
“When the men don’t lead, there’s no one to follow,” Greene said.
It is important to discern which pastors are for the people or for themselves, Greene said.
“All pastors weren’t sent by God,” Greene said. “When he worries about himself more than the people, you have a problem. When he worries about how much is being made and not how many people are being saved, you have a problem. Say the truth or don’t say nothing. Be a man of Christ or go home.”
Greene preached that valor is when someone shows great courage, especially in battle, and that a man of God must have the strength of the Lord and passion for people.
“You don’t need to start praying when the trouble gets here, you need to start praying before the trouble gets here,” Greene said. “God has commissioned us as men to lead as men. You don’t have to partake in anything, especially if it doesn’t glorify God. God is looking for men to stand up and take care of business.”